"Nigeria will overcome all challenges" - Osinbajo

Nigeria will overcome all challenges facing it if we stay united and love our enemies, just as the Bible encourages us to, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said.

Osinbajo spoke at the 2017 Independence Day Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

The service was themed “National Unity in the Bond of Peace and Love.”

He said Nigeria would be prosperous in the coming years.

According to him, the  greatest commandment in the scripture is “love the Lord your God with all your strength and love your Neigbour as yourself.”

He also reminded the congregation that the Bible also encourages us to love our enemies.

He said, “I was very inspired by the words spoken by Professor Turaki a few minutes ago very challenging words that he spoke and I think that in some senses it led to the question who does God hold responsible for the destiny of nations.  There is a people of whom  Jesus said that you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, a people who are charged with sweet name but bitterness of hate of selfishness and pride.

Osinbajo prayed that the nation will blossom and overcome challenges and that the glory of the former days will be nothing to be compared to the glory of the latter days.

He declared that the nation will be joyful and prosperous.

On his part, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, said that Nigeria’s unity has already been fought for.

He said: “Continue to pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria. Do not fear, Nigeria has fought for its unity and the unity will continue with your prayer.”

As soon as Gowon finished his remarks, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan, who came with him to the podium to make their own remarks, immediately shouted “We concur.” and left the stage with him.